Prepare Now for Severe Winter Weather

OSWEGO COUNTY – Severe winter weather can strike Oswego County at any time between November and April. Storms can cause power outages, structural collapses, flash flooding and more. Having a disaster plan and an emergency supplies kit can help families, individuals and those with access and functional needs cope with events that can disrupt their daily lives.

“Last February, Oswego County experienced unusually heavy lake effect snow followed by a thaw and refreezing,” said Cathleen Palmitesso, director of the Oswego County Emergency Management Office. “Residents faced power outages, structural damage and, in some cases, difficulty leaving their homes for several days because deep snow blocked entryways, driveways and access routes. Preparing ahead of time can make a big difference.”

Other winter hazards that can affect people’s daily routines include severe cold, ice storms, high winds, significant lake effect rain, sleet and freezing rain. “Heavy snow followed by a thaw can cause flooding and flash flooding,” Palmitesso noted. “High winds and ice can bring down trees and power lines, causing power outages and damage to property and structures, as well as disrupting telephone, cellular and other communications services.”

She suggested that people make sure their cell phones are enabled for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and install a weather alerting app to make sure they receive emergency alerts and warnings.

Residents are also advised to register their cell phones for Oswego County’s Hyper-Reach emergency notification system. Go to the County E-911 Communications Center’s page at www.oswegocountyny.gov/911, or call the County Emergency Management Office at 315-591-9150 for help signing up.

“Everyone should also take this time to review and update their family or individual disaster plans,” Palmitesso added. “Every plan should have a family meeting location, both in the neighborhood and at a site further away. Don’t forget to also build or refresh your emergency supplies kit now. Make sure it is well-stocked and ready for use at home or on-the-go.”

Emergency Kits:

Key items in an emergency supplies kit include:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• AM/FM radio and NOAA weather radio (battery-operated or crank-powered)
• First aid kit and whistle (to signal for help)
• Ready-to-eat foods, manual can opener and water (one gallon, per person, per day)
• Charged cell phones and extra battery packs
• Pet supplies kit with food, water, toys and documents
• Warm clothing, sturdy shoes and extra blankets
• Cash and copies of important documents

Also prepare a kit for your car:

• Cell phone and car charger
• First aid kit
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Blankets, snacks and bottled water
• Ice scraper, shovel and jumper cables
• Sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter for traction
• Road flares or reflectors, tarps, raincoat, gloves and local maps

Before a storm begins or when severe weather is in the forecast:

• Fully charge all cell phones, laptops and battery packs.
• Set refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings to keep food fresh longer during a power outage.
• Plan for medical needs. If you rely on life support equipment, register with National Grid beforehand, and make sure your contact information is up to date. Those who require oxygen should work with their supplier to ensure their needs are met.

During a storm:

• Keep a light switch on, to indicate when power is restored.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
• Never run generators indoors. Operate them in a well-ventilated area away from windows, doors and vents. Before operating a generator, disconnect it from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. This is important for the safety of utility crews after the storm.
• Use portable space heaters with automatic shut-off features and never use a gas stove or oven for heating.
• Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or those with functional needs.
• Conceal heat by closing blinds, sealing drafts and dressing in warm layers.

Be Patient and Stay Safe

During a power outage, utility crews will work hard to restore power, but response times may vary based on the severity and scope of the storm damage. “They may not be able to get to you quickly, especially if the storm is ongoing or transmission systems are impacted,” Palmitesso said. “Please be patient and remember that first responders – including fire, law enforcement, emergency medical services and highway workers – are also working to ensure your neighborhood is safe.”

Find nearby warming centers with the Oswego County Warming Center Finder. Click on this link for the interactive map. Remember to call ahead to confirm operation hours for each site. The map is also available on the County Health Department’s website at https://health.oswegocountyny.gov/programs/1_emergency_preparedness/warming_centers.php.  If you need assistance locating a nearby warming center, call 315-349-3497.

After a storm:

• Treat all downed wires as live and dangerous.
• Stay informed through local news, official social media channels and your local officials.
• Clear snow from exterior vents and ensure pathways to your home are accessible for emergency responders.
• Assess your home for damage and take photos for your insurance company.
• Call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies.
• To report a power outage, call National Grid’s outage number at 1-800-867-5222 or go through their app.

For more information on preparing for severe weather, visit www.ready.gov or www.oswegocountyny.gov/emo, or call 315-591-9150.

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